EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Purdue football season has reached a point of no return. Fans are voicing their frustrations over the Boilermakers' one-win campaign thus far, a streak marred by nine consecutive losses. Despite the setbacks, the team remains united, with a singular focus on the upcoming games.

Purdue Football's Struggle in the Big Ten

Scouting Purdue Football's Opponent Michigan State

For over a decade, Michigan State under Mark Dantonio enjoyed success. But last season, Mel Tucker was let go due to sexual harassment allegations. Now, Jonathan Smith, the former Oregon State coach, has joined the Big Ten. His Spartans currently stand at 4-6 and need wins over Purdue and Rutgers to become bowl eligible after three consecutive losses.The Spartans are one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league, averaging just 19.4 points per game. Surprisingly, they outscore Purdue by more than two points on average. Statistically, they also have one of the worst defenses in the league. Their quarterback, Aidan Chiles, has thrown a Big Ten-leading 11 interceptions.One of the few bright spots for Michigan State this season is its kicking game. Jonathan Kim leads the Big Ten with 18 field goals and has missed only twice.

Talking Purdue Football Touchdowns

This season, ten different Boilermakers have scored offensive touchdowns, the same number as last year. However, four players who scored on offense last season and are still on the roster have yet to find the end zone in 2024 - Hudson Card, Drew Biber, George Burhenn, and Jayden Dixon-Veal.In contrast, four Boilers had at least five touchdowns last season, and three had at least seven. Purdue's leading touchdown scorer with two games remaining is Devin Mockobee with four.It's worth noting that Purdue had its second kicker score this season. Ben Freehill made a field goal and an extra point against Penn State last Saturday. Porath had missed a pair of field goals at Ohio State, and Purdue coach Ryan Walters mentioned that the placekicker job is still up for grabs.

Purdue Football's Upcoming Battle

While the Spartans are statistically one of the worst teams in the Big Ten, Purdue is even worse, ranking at the bottom in both offense and defense. The fact that Michigan State is at home gives them an advantage, especially with a short week.As of Thursday, the Spartans are 13.5-point favorites. Purdue has only covered the spread once against FBS teams this season against Illinois.Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. You can reach him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.